Delegates speak at the conference themed ‘Bridging the Gap in Fertility’ in Dubai.

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

While there is no average age for infertility and advances have been gained to resolve it, it would still be a stress-free environment that would make the experience easier for all, towards a possible successful pregnancy.

Dr. Ghada Hussein, with over 20 years of exposure in the field of fertility in the UAE, Sweden, Jordan, Iraq and Qatar, was interviewed on Monday. She was among the speakers at the September 2 to 4 “Fourth HealthPlus Middle East Fertility Conference in Dubai.

In connection with the SARS-CoV2, she said: “We have seen several studies around the effects of the vaccine and those who have been previously infected by the virus, and there is no conclusive evidence that points to a drop in fertility and (the Novel Coronavirus).”

At the conference that ran under the theme “Bridging the Gap in Fertility” and which was inaugurated by Department of Health-Abu Dhabi-Healthcare Facilities Sector executive director Hind Al Zaabi, the  HealthPlus Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility consultant, discussed before delegates from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Belgium, Sweden, UK, Canada and Denmark, “a revolutionary procedure that helps patients with absolute uterine factor infertility.”

According to the pathfertility.com, absolute uterine factor arises from “an abnormality of the uterus (womb), or a complete lack of uterus” which could be congenital or acquired. Reproductive/Fertility Medicine specialists normally theorise this is the cause, if there were repeated miscarriages. The “lack menstruation” is also a sign and symptom.

Previously interviewed, Hussein’s colleague, Prof. Ahmed Elbohoty who served as the conference chairman, explained the theme, which technically refers to the existence of a void or unanswered problems or challenges with regard to fertility rates and the desire of spouses to have children of their own: “It is a very interesting theme as there is always something more to be discovered or explored in our scientific community; just when you reach a conclusion, you find another area or point of view that is worth investigating. Scientists are always looking to try and fill in the gaps as much as possible. In the field of reproduction, there are a lot of gaps. We try every day to solve these by conducting new research, undergo experiments, explore new medications, and try new treatments for improve patient outcomes.”

On Monday, Hussein said: “Fertility is a rapidly changing field that witnesses several breakthroughs periodically. A few years ago, it was not possible for patients suffering with absolute uterine factor infertility to conceive a child. Of late, we are seeing successful pregnancies and deliveries in patients who have had uterine transplants. This provides promising results for physicians and researchers to further build on, and hope for those suffering with absolute uterine factor infertility.”

Hussein was among the specialists who conducted the world’s first uterus transplantation at the University of Gothenburg in Gothenburg southwest of Sweden. The university website states the historic development took place not only once since the educational institution founded in 1891, was permitted to do so in 10 women. While the first was completed on September 15, 2012, the first birth—a healthy baby boy by caesarian section—with the donated uterus from a 61-year-old—to a Swede in her mid-30s—was in early September 2014.

Concerning the necessary stress-free environment, Hussein pointed out: “Patients doing (in-vitro fertilisation) and other such fertility treatments forget that stress is an important factor contributing to successful outcomes. Avoiding stress is not an easy task, but as a physician, I always recommend that couples look at strategies to reduce how much stress they take on.”

Hussein mentioned honesty and said: “Infertility is a taxing condition. It is important that we are honest with patients about expectations. We do the best we can to ensure successful outcomes; but sometimes, not all treatments lead to pregnancy. It is essential that this is a possible outcome.”

“With realistic expectations, patients can be more at ease when undergoing treatment, without being worried or hesitant about the next step,” she also said.